Two busted for alleged night-hunting in Washington Parish

Incident occurred on Jan. 27, LDWF says

Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, working together with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, cited two men on Jan. 27 for alleged night-hunting violations in Washington Parish and Walthall County, Miss.

According to a press release, LDWF agents cited Holden W. Saucier, 19, of Franklinton, and Paul L. Page, 19, of Poplarville, Miss., for hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light, hunting deer from a public road and hunting from a moving vehicle.

MDWFP agents also arrested Saucier and Page for spotlighting deer, hunting from a public road, hunting from a vehicle and possession of alcohol by a minor.

LDWF agents and MDWFP agents were working together on the case after getting several complaints about night-hunting in the area. After setting up surveillance, LDWF agents observed a truck using a spotlight on the roof to shine fields first off Harvey Jefferson Road and then off State Line Road, the release states.

LDWF and MDWFP agents stopped the vehicle and allegedly found the men in possession of a spotlight, two rifles, a shotgun and alcohol, according to the release.

The MDWFP agents seized the vehicle, spotlight and firearms and booked the men into the Walthall County Jail, the release states.

Hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light in Louisiana brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Hunting from a vehicle in Louisiana carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting deer from a public road in Louisiana brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.

Spotlighting for deer in Mississippi brings a $2,000 to $5,000 fine. Hunting from a public road and from a moving vehicle in Mississippi each carries a $100 to $500 fine.